Wellness shoe and method

ABSTRACT

A shoe body including an upper operably connected with an outsole. The shoe body has a front portion and a back portion. An insole is disposed inside the shoe upper and has a substantially inelastic heel portion and a substantially elastic toe portion. A substantially rigid pressure plate is adjacent to the substantially elastic toe portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No.PCT/US2010/036834, filed Jun. 1, 2010, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/217,708, filed on Jun. 2, 2009,entitled “WELLNESS SHOE,” the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a shoe that assists a userthrough a gait cycle, and more specifically, assists a user to maintaineven foot pressure and proper alignment through the gait cycle.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention includes an article of footwearhaving a shoe body including an upper operably connected with anoutsole. The shoe body has a front portion and a back portion. An insoleis disposed inside the shoe upper and has a substantially inelastic heelportion and a substantially elastic toe portion. A substantially rigidpressure plate is adjacent to the substantially elastic toe portion.

Another aspect of the present invention includes an insert for anarticle of footwear having an insole including a substantially inelasticheel portion and a substantially elastic toe portion. An elasticabsorption pad is disposed below the inelastic heel portion. Asubstantially rigid pressure plate is adjacent to the substantiallyelastic toe portion.

Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a method ofmodifying the gate of an individual, including providing a shoe havingan upper operably coupled with an outsole. An insole is inserted intothe shoe. A substantially elastic toe portion is formed on the insole. Asubstantially inelastic heel portion is formed on the insole that iselevated above the substantially elastic toe portion. An elasticabsorption pad is connected below the substantially inelastic heelportion. The shoe is placed on the foot of a user, thereby promoting anatural gait cycle during walking.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a shoe of thepresent invention;

FIG. 1B is a bottom plan view of the shoe of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view taken at line H-II of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 3A is a right side elevational view of one embodiment of an insoleof the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a bottom plan view of the insole of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a left side elevational view of the insole of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is a top plan view of the insole of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational cross-sectional view taken at line IV-IV ofFIG. 1B;

FIG. 5A is a side elevational cross-sectional view of the shoe of FIG.1A at contact phase at the beginning of a gait cycle;

FIG. 5B is a side elevational cross-sectional view of the shoe of FIG.1A in mid-stance during the gait cycle;

FIG. 5C is a side elevational cross-sectional view of the shoe of FIG.1A at toe-off at the end of the gait cycle;

FIG. 6A is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a near side shoeof the present invention at contact phase;

FIG. 6B is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a near side shoeof the present invention at mid-stance phase; and

FIG. 6C is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a near side shoeof the present invention at toe-off phase.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1A. However,it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the reference numeral 10 generally designates afootwear system including a shoe 11 having an upper 12 operablyconnected with an outsole 14. The shoe 11 has a front portion 16 and aback portion 18. An insole 20 is disposed inside the shoe 11 and has asubstantially inelastic heel portion 22 and a substantially elastic toeportion 24. A substantially rigid pressure plate 26 is adjacent to thesubstantially elastic toe portion 24.

Referring again to FIG. 1 A and to FIG. 1B the shoe upper 12 of the shoe11 is designed to generally conform to the foot of a user. It iscontemplated that any of a variety of styles and designs may be used onthe upper to provide an aesthetic appearance to the shoe 11. Thesubstantially rigid pressure plate 26 or pressure displacement rotationplate, as it is also called, is positioned in a forward portion of theshoe 11 proximate an elastic toe portion 24, as will be described infurther detail below. The substantially inelastic heel portion inconjunction with the substantially elastic toe portion 24 forms theinsole 20, such that the insole 20 has metatarsal accelerationcompression qualities. The juncture of the substantially inelastic heelportion 22 and the substantially elastic toe portion 24 defines a leverthat assists the wearer in walking with a more natural gait than istypical in traditional footwear. This construction of the insole 20provides a natural shoe-less type gait to the shoe wearer that causesthe knee to bend quickly while the center of gravity of body mass of theshoe wearer transitions over the shoe 11.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the shoe 11 is generally designed tosupport the weight of the shoe wearer and assist in repositioning thebody of the shoe wearer into an angle that promotes a natural gaitcycle, which consequently engages the muscular system of a user andreduces the pressure on the skeletal system.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the shoe upper 12 includes sideportions 40 that come together at the back portion 18 and that operablycouple with the front portion 16. A top portion 44 is integrally formedwith a tongue 46. The side portions 40, back 42, top portion 44, and thetongue 46 keep the shoe 11 on the foot of a wearer. A transition portion50 between the shoe upper 12 and the outsole 14 connects the outsole 14with the shoe upper 12 and provides an aesthetic transition between theshoe upper 12 and the outsole 14. The outsole 14 includes a base 52 thatis made from a non-slip material, such as rubber, which interfaces withthe ground when the shoe 11 is in use. The substantially rigid pressureplate 26 is located between the outsole 14 and the substantially elastictoe portion 24.

The shoe 11 of the footwear system 10 of the present invention isspecifically designed to reduce pressure on the forefoot and limit thestrain on toes by promoting the natural motion of a foot throughtoe-off. The shoe 11 also modifies and improves the gait of the wearer,such that the wearer puts less strain on the skeletal system. Thefootwear system 10 enables the wearer to engage more of the humanmuscular system than provided by traditional footwear. Morespecifically, the footwear system 10 controls more movement and absorbsless impact during walking. The pressure displacement rotation plate 26and metatarsal acceleration compression insole 20 may be integrally orseparately formed. In either instance, the pressure displacementrotation plate 26 and metatarsal acceleration compression insole 20 worktogether to provide support through the foot arch, absorb shock, andease rotation of the foot through toe-off.

Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 2, the insole 20 has a perimeter smallerthan that of the outsole 14 and is disposed above and generally insidethe perimeter of the outsole 14. The interface of the insole 20 to theoutsole 14 is illustrated in FIG. 2, which illustrates that the insole20 rests over the rigid pressure plate 26, which is supported by theoutsole 14. The rigid pressure plate 26 may be exposed through anunderside of the outsole 14, as shown in FIG. 2, or may be covered toprevent damage to the rigid pressure plate 26 and to keep the rigidpressure plate 26 clean. A midsole (not shown) may be disposed anywherebetween the insole and the outsole to add further comfort to the shoegenerally.

Referring again to FIGS. 1B and 2, the rigid pressure plate 26, orpressure displacement rotation plate, begins no less than 40 percentforward from a distal heel end 60 of the shoe 11 and could extendrearward under the entire surface of the substantially inelastic heelportion 22. The rigid pressure plate 26 extends forward, stopping noless than 15 percent rearward from a distal toe end 62 of the shoe 11.In one embodiment, it is contemplated that the rigid pressure plate 26extends all the way to the distal toe end 62 of the shoe 11. The rigidpressure plate 26 may be integrated into the insole 20, or separate fromthe insole 20. However, the rigid pressure plate 26 is generally locatedbetween the outsole 14 and the substantially elastic toe portion 24 ofthe insole 20. The rigid pressure plate 26 may be constructed of avariety of materials, including carbon fiber or other compositematerial, such as fiberglass, steel, or injection plastics, such asnylons or TPUs, either with or without additional glass fiberreinforcement.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3D, the insole 20 supports the foot of thewearer from an initial contact phase through a mid-stance phase of agait cycle through use of a multi- density foam. The inelastic heelportion 22 extends at least 20 percent and no more than 60 percentforward from the distal heel end 60. The inelastic heel portion 22 ismade of a foam with a density ranging from 35 degrees Shore C and up. Itis contemplated that materials, such as PORON®, polyurethane, EVA, orother foam-based materials may be used. The elastic toe portion 24 isforward of the inelastic heel portion 22, and extends no more than 80percent rearward from the distal toe end 62 of the shoe 11. The elastictoe portion 24 is formed from a less dense foam having a density of atleast eight degrees Shore C less than the substantially inelastic heelportion 22. Materials, such as PORON®, polyurethane, EVA, or otherfoam-based materials are contemplated for use in the substantiallyelastic toe portion 24. Because the foam density decreases from thesubstantially inelastic heel portion 22 to the substantially elastic toeportion 24, during the gait cycle, heads of the metatarsals in thewearer's foot sink into the substantially elastic toe portion 24 at aforefoot drop zone 66 when the foot moves from a contact phase 68 to amid-stance phase 70 (FIG. 5B) of the gait cycle. When the heads of themetatarsals of the foot of a user sink in this manner, the walkingmuscles of the user are activated and prepare the foot to rotate forwardinto a toe-off phase 72, as will be discussed in greater detail belowwith respect to FIGS. 5A-5C.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3D, the insole 20 includes a dual materialtop cover 80 or moderating layer. The dual material top cover 80 allowsfor control of the direction of impact absorption during a gait cycleand movement of the foot in relation to the surface of the insole 20.More specifically, the dual material top cover 80 assists intransferring downward forces from the substantially inelastic heelportion 22 to the substantially elastic toe portion 24. As illustrated,an elastic absorption pad 86 is disposed below the outsole 14 and wrapsup the distal heel portion of the shoe 11. The dual material top cover80 includes an inelastic top cover 82 and an elastic top cover 84.Additionally, it is also contemplated that a thin layer 90 of soft foammay extend over the entire insole 20 covering both the substantiallyinelastic heel portion 22 and substantially elastic toe portion 24. Thethin foam layer 90 is disposed below the dual material top cover 80 andhelps transition the foot of a wearer from the substantially inelasticheel portion 22 to the substantially elastic toe portion 24. The thinfoam layer 90 may be of any thickness, and in one embodiment, is 3 mmthick.

Referring to FIG. 4, the rigid pressure plate 26 has a convex lateralcross-section that projects downward from a plantar surface of theinsole 20 no less than two millimeters and up to 20 millimeters. Thedegree of toe spring is affected by the amount and degree the rigidpressure plate 26 protrudes downward from the plantar surface of theinsole 20. It is anticipated that the toe spring will range in degreefrom 15 degrees to 40 degrees.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5C, during use, when impact forces are applied tothe substantially inelastic heel portion 22 during a contact phase 68(FIG. 5A) of the gait cycle, the inelastic top cover 82 of the inelasticheel portion 22 forces the elastic absorption pad 86 to compress upwardfrom the plantar surface. Consequently, impact forces are absorbed fromthe plantar or bottom surface. This construction stabilizes thecalcaneus and prevents the heel of a user from sinking into the heelportion of the insole 20. While the insole 20 compresses at the plantarsurface at the substantially inelastic heel portion 22, the oppositeeffect is achieved in the substantially elastic toe portion 24.Specifically, the substantially elastic toe portion 24 allows for anelastic two or four-way stretch material to compress. During the gaitcycle, the elastic top cover 84 adjacent the substantially elastic toeportion 24 allows for impact forces to be absorbed from the dorsal ortop surface downward through the insole 20. Consequently, pressure isreduced on sensitive areas of the foot, including the metatarsals. Thesubstantially elastic toe portion 24 and the elastic top cover 84 flexas the wearer roles from the substantially inelastic heel portion 22 tothe substantially elastic toe portion 24 from the mid-stance phase 70(FIG. 5B) through the toe-off phase 72 (FIG. 5C) of the gait cycle.Accordingly, there is an increased acceleration of the substantiallyelastic toe portion 24 into the forefoot drop zone 66 compared to thedrop rate of the calcaneus, at which point the foot will plantar shiftin a smooth and comfortable manner.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6C, the shoe 11 of the present invention, andspecifically the insole 20 disposed in the shoe 11, work to repositionthe body's angle into a natural gait cycle to promote further engagementof the muscular system. The forefoot is accelerated downward into thesoft and easily compressible substantially elastic toe portion 24 area,which causes the body to decelerate. The rigid pressure plate 26 and thesubstantially inelastic heel portion 22 then cause the knee to bendquickly, while the body mass transitions over the center of gravity.This transition engages the muscular system, allowing it to absorb anyadditional forces that are incurred while walking. Consequently, theamount of effort to walk is increased as a result of increased coremuscle activity, but greatly reduces the impact of the skeletal systemand joints. The convex design of the rigid pressure plate 26 allows theforefoot pressure to spread across the entire surface of the rigidpressure plate 26, thereby translating impact forces over the entiresurface of the rigid pressure plate 26 and improving the natural gaitcycle. This construction gives cushioning and support under the foot,while assisting the body to move naturally, as if the user was notwearing shoes at all. Consequently, the rigid pressure plate 26 works incombination with the insole 20 to assist the foot in rotating properlythrough toe-off to achieve a proper gait cycle. Consequently, pressureis redistributed and muscle use has increased.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforemen-tioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

1. An article of footwear comprising: a shoe body including an upperoperably connected with an outsole, the shoe body including a frontportion and a back portion; an insole disposed inside the upper andhaving a substantially inelastic heel portion and a substantiallyelastic toe portion; and a substantially rigid pressure plate adjacentthe substantially elastic toe portion.
 2. The article of footwear ofclaim 1, further comprising: an elastic absorption pad disposed betweenthe inelastic heel portion and the outsole.
 3. The article of footwearof claim 1, further comprising: a midsole disposed between the insoleand the outsole.
 4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein thethickness of the substantially inelastic heel is approximately twicethat of the substantially elastic toe portion.
 5. The article offootwear of claim 1, wherein the pressure plate includes a convexportion substantially aligned with the metatarsals of a user.
 6. Thearticle of footwear of claim 1, further comprising: a moderating layerdisposed over the insole.
 7. The article of footwear of claim 6, whereinthe moderating layer includes a rear portion constructed from asubstantially inelastic material and a forward portion constructed of asubstantially elastic material.
 8. The article of footwear of claim 1,further comprising: a lever defined between the substantially inelasticheel portion and the substantially elastic toe portion that translatesdownward energy from the back portion forward to the front portion. 9.An insert for an article of footwear comprising: an insole having asubstantially inelastic heel portion and a substantially elastic toeportion; an elastic absorption pad disposed below the inelastic heelportion; and a substantially rigid pressure plate adjacent to thesubstantially elastic toe portion.
 10. The insert of claim 9, furthercomprising: a midsole disposed between the insole and the outsole. 11.The insert of claim 9, wherein the thickness of the substantiallyinelastic heel is approximately twice that of the substantially elastictoe portion.
 12. The insert of claim 9, wherein the substantially rigidpressure plate includes a convex portion substantially aligned with themetatarsals of a user.
 13. The insert of claim 9, further comprising: amoderating layer disposed over the insole.
 14. The insert of claim 14,wherein the moderating layer includes a rear portion constructed from asubstantially inelastic material and a forward portion constructed of asubstantially elastic material.
 15. The insert of claim 9, furthercomprising: a lever defined between the substantially inelastic heelportion and the substantially elastic toe portion that translatesdownward energy from the back portion forward to the front portion. 16.A method of modifying the gate of an individual, the method comprising:providing a shoe having an upper operably coupled with an outsole;inserting an insole into the shoe; forming a substantially elastic toeportion on the insole; forming a substantially inelastic heel portion onthe insole that is elevated above the substantially elastic toe portion;connecting an elastic absorption pad below the substantially inelasticheel portion; placing the shoe on the foot of a user, thereby promotinga natural gait cycle during walking.
 17. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising: providing a substantially rigid pressure plate adjacent thesubstantially elastic toe portion of the insole.
 18. The method of claim17, wherein the step of providing a substantially rigid pressure platefurther comprises: integrally forming the insole with the substantiallyrigid pressure plate
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising:positioning a dual material top cover over the insole.
 20. The method ofclaim 16, further comprising: positioning a midsole between the insoleand the outsole.